Cole Aldrich wanted nothing more than to enjoy his final spring and summer of basketball on the AAU Circuit. The 6-foot-10, 260-pound center wanted to prove that he belong near the top of the 2007 rankings as one of the truly elite players in the class.

However, the five-star prospect stumbled out of the gate and was criticized for his performance early on. Jayhawk Slant spoke to Aldrich about his farewell tour and when his official visit to Lawrence, Kan., will take place.

Aldrich, the No. 3 ranked center in the class, never envisioned his final tour on the AAU Circuit would be filled with so many ups and downs. Deep down in his heart, Aldrich believed that everything would come together and, more importantly, that he would emerge as the top big man in the class.